Vote Yes In The School Referendum

Our Towns: Canton

September 04, 1995

Because some Canton residents got a referendum on spending more money to improve Cherry Brook Elementary School, it's up to other townspeople to support the proposal. It isn't an unreasonable amount of money, and it will buy needed items.

The building committee did a good job of staying within its budget for the expansion of the school. Three years ago, residents approved $7.76 million to add two more grades. But the cost of materials rose due to inflation, and the committee had to cut some items.

Now the committee wants townspeople to let it spend $125,000 from the capital fund. If approved, the new computer lab will be equipped with 24 personal computers and accessories; air conditioning will be installed in the school office, cafeteria and library; a media retrieval system will be put in the library; and old playground equipment will be replaced. Except for the playground equipment, the town will be reimbursed by the state for about 47 percent of the cost of each item.

Townspeople will vote Sept. 12 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Town Hall.

Opponents have complained that the building committee exceeded its budget. That charge is misguided. The committee went to great measures to stay within its spending plan. These items were removed because they were not as crucial as windows and walls. But they are needed.

These days, computers are essential learning tools. A media retrieval system will give students access to vast amounts of information. And air conditioning will allow the cafeteria and library to be used during the summer.